How Safe is Propane?

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding propane as an fuel source for your home or cottage is safety. But the reality is, the characteristics and regulations applied to propane use make it one of the safest fuels when compared to other fuels such as gasoline, diesel and compressed natural gas.

Propane is a hydrocarbon and is sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Propane is produced from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It is nontoxic, colorless and virtually odorless.

Check out these interesting propane safety facts provided by the Propane and Education Research Council:

• Propane equipment and appliances are manufactured to rigorous safety standards.
  
  
• Propane has a narrow range of flammability when compared with other petroleum products. In order to ignite, the propane-air mix must contain from 2.2 to 9.6 percent propane vapor. If the mixture contains less than 2.2 percent gas, it is too lean to burn. If it contains more than 9.6 percent, it is too rich to burn.
  
  
• Propane won't ignite when combined with air unless the source of ignition reaches at least 940 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, gasoline will ignite when the source of ignition reaches only 430 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  
• If liquid propane leaks, it doesn't puddle but instead vaporizes and dissipates into the air.
  
  
• Because it is released from a pressured container as a vapor, propane can't be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels.
  
  
• Because propane is virtually odorless and colorless in its natural state, a commercial odorant is added so propane can be detected if it leaks from its container.

Safety is one of the most important considerations when choosing a fuel source for your home – so make sure to consider all of your options, including propane.  Propane is not only safe, but it’s one of the most cost-effective and environmental friendly alternative fuel sources.

We Deliver Quality Propane and Provide Friendly Customer Service Throughout Central Ontario!

Budget Propane Ontario supplies bulk propane to residential, commercial, and construction sites in central Ontario. Call us to discuss your needs and to learn about the benefits of using propane. 1 888 405.7777.